Tinubu’s Advocacy for LG Autonomy Stands Out as His Greatest Achievement: Ndume

Ali Ndume, Chief Whip of the Senate, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for achieving financial autonomy for Local Governments, describing it as Tinubu’s greatest accomplishment since assuming office in 2023. Ndume credited Tinubu’s administration for initiating a landmark court action that has ushered in a new financial era for Local Government Councils nationwide.

In a statement released to journalists on Friday, Ndume emphasized the significance of the Supreme Court’s judgment, which mandates direct allocation of funds from the Federation Account to Local Government Councils. He stressed that this legal victory marks a pivotal moment for grassroots governance, urging Tinubu to swiftly implement the court’s decision without delay.

Ndume criticized past practices where state governors allegedly usurped Local Government funds, hindering meaningful development at the grassroots level. He underscored the importance of empowering Local Government Councils to manage their allocations independently, promoting transparency and accountability in governance.

“The initiative taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through this court action stands as his crowning achievement. I am optimistic that this will mark the beginning of a new era of liberation for local governments across Nigeria,” Ndume remarked.

Reflecting on past legislative efforts to amend the constitution in favor of local autonomy, Ndume lamented the obstruction by state governors, which he claimed thwarted previous reform attempts. He commended the Supreme Court for decisively addressing the constitutional lacuna and ensuring that Local Governments receive their rightful allocations without interference.

“With this judgment, the era of governors withholding funds meant for Local Governments has come to an end. Citizens can now hold their council chairmen accountable for prudent financial management,” Ndume affirmed.

The Supreme Court’s ruling, delivered on Thursday, upheld the unconstitutionality of state governors’ control over Local Government funds, affirming the autonomy of the 774 Local Government Councils to administer their finances independently.